Truly it is worthy and just, right and profitable to salvation that we should give Thee thanks always and everywhere, o Lord, holy Father, almighty and everylasting God: For the most welcome time is now present to us, and the light of the longed-for night has come. For what can ever be found that is greater or better than to preach the might of the Risen Lord? For indeed, breaking apart the bonds of death, He hath this day taken up the banner of His Resurrection that is most dear to us, and returning from hell, brought man, who had been cast down by the envy of the enemy, in among the stars that looked on in wonder. O, the mystical and venerable exchanges that happen on this night! O, the kindly and everlasting blessings of Holy Mother the Church, that wishes to have aught that He might destroy, but longs to find what she might redeem! Mary rejoiced in the most holy birth of her Child; the Church exults in the beauty of the children she has begotten. Thus that blessed font that shone about the Lord’s pierced side, received the weight of their faults, that she on these sacred altars she might bestow the food of life for the everlasting life of the reborn. And therefore with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the army of the heavenly host, we sing the hymn to the glory, saying without end. Holy… (An ancient preface for the Mass of the Easter vigil.)
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| The Resurrection of Christ, by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1565 |
